msgraph - 7:40 pm on Feb 12, 2002 (gmt 0)

The Outride Software Packages₁

Archive.org's stored version of Outride.net's former site [web.archive.org]

The Outride SurfAlong product is what really catches the eye on how Outride's tech might fit into Google. Outride claimed that this package would be the most optimal software to use with their relevance technology. It was designed to come in the form of a browser add-on product.

If Google implements this technology it might very well fit in with Google's toolbar.

Below is an analysis of Outride's publication₁ on this bookmark software system. However Google uses this technology, if they use it at all, this analysis should be taken as a way to predict and prepare for what is to come.

Bookmark software system

As mentioned above, the software is meant to be integrated within a web browser. This is more feasible because it would cut down on Google's server processing. They would be able to track user's surfing patterns as well as making it easier to establish bookmarks by drag-and-drop.

They have stated that this invention can be customized to fit different scenarios depending on the need so nothing is set in stone yet.

Bookmark Access

1. Users can have the option of browsing through their own collection of bookmarks or be able to browse the bookmark collection of a variety of users.

Perhaps we could see a peer-to-peer network search engine that would be similar to the Open Directory Project, except for the fact that you do not need to rely on one editor's opinion. Note: Some system would have to be enabled to prevent massive auto account creations by spammers to inflate the popularity of bookmarks.

2. Users have the ability to search for their needs by using a search box to scour the database of bookmarks for the best results. Bookmark search results would depend on category, title, and URL naming conventions.

If mixed in with PageRank factors this could provide highly relevant results to users as well as eliminating spam.

Adding and Editing Bookmarks

Users have the ability to add their bookmarks either by manually typing in the URL or by drag-and-drop. Similar to Netscape and Internet Explorer.

Link Display Information

1. To let the user be aware of inactive links.

2. To let the user know the freshness of a document. When it was updated last, or if it was updated after the user last logged in.

3. To let the user know the popularity of a document. Built by how many other users have this site bookmarked as well. (Perhaps PageRank could be equated here as well)

(edited by: msgraph at 5:26 pm (utc) on Feb. 13, 2002)